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Kankakee Regional Chamber of Commerce
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David Hinderliter President and CEO
With only a few days remaining in the Spring 2007 legislative session, there is an awful lot at stake for the well-being of Illinois. When I say well-being, I do not mean free healthcare as proposed by the Governor's Illinois Covered Plan. What I mean is this state is in a tailspin and our elected representatives need to get it stopped before it's too late. Senator Bill Brady from Bloomington said it best. Illinois does not have a money crisis, we have a spending crisis! We want to spend what we don't have and legislators seem content to try to do what any prudent business person would NOT. Over the past few weeks, I have heard from more people against the anti-business legislation called GRT than any subject in my 14 years at the Chamber. In one respect that is very good. Members feel compelled to let their voices by heard and I want to know where they stand. As far as the Chamber is concerned, we passed a resolution against the GRT in any form and we have learned of no reasons why we would be in favor now. The bad side of this is that business in Illinois is caught in a sort of legislative limbo waiting to see what happens in Springfield and what the impact will be for future business. IT is of no surprise that companies are reluctant to expand here if they think they will be greeted with new taxes to fund poor spending habits. Traditionally, business people are planners and it is very difficult to plan for growth and development when our elected officials want to spend money faster than companies can earn it. While GRT has been a primary concern to most there are some other worrisome issues being proposed. One such issue is Senate Bill 5, the Governor's Illinois Covered Plan. The State Chamber has identified problems with this healthcare plan and a subsequent 3% payroll tax. There is also a bill SB 1296, that would change current joint and several liability law to force defendants in personal injury suits to pay 100% of the damages. - even if they are only 1% at fault. While this applies to businesses, it also applies to individuals personally if you are an Illinois resident or subject to Illinois law. Each of these proposals and others may be viewed by logging onto our grassroots network at www.kankakee.org. Please take the time to look at them and contact your legislator to voice your opinions. Now is not the time to back off. Now is the time to keep up the communication so that at the last minute when legislators are voting, they clearly know what you think. |
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The Kankakee Regional Chamber of Commerce is an organization comprised of volunteering citizens dedicated to a community development program. Working together, we are improving the economic, civic and cultural well-being of the region. Just know that this Chamber is a service and action organization for business and community. Contact the Chamber today at 815/933-7721 to find out how you can get involved in this great organization or log on to www.kankakee.org. If you would like to discuss this or any other topic, feel free to call me at 815/933-7721.
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